“Now a lot depends on him,” commented Prandelli. “He has every possibility to prove his worth.”

The Azzurri had used Balotelli with new Milan teammate Stephan El Shaarawy in a friendly against France in November, so seeing them work together at club level will be a huge bonus for Italy.

Prandelli was also asked about Sampdoria’s teenage starlet Icardi, who scored four goals in a 6-0 win over Pescara on Sunday.

Icardi is Argentinean, but has Italian relatives and could play for the Azzurri.

“I consider him a very interesting player,” said Prandelli. “It is a simple situation, as whoever wants to wear the Nazionale jersey must have something that goes beyond it being an opportunity. He has to believe in it.

“We do not put pressure on anything. I was asked if there were any Italian names of interest on the horizon and I mentioned Icardi because, honestly, I consider him very interesting.”